Frame adapted to be fitted inside an outer container

ABSTRACT

A removable frame ( 100 ) is adapted to be fitted inside an outer container ( 800 ) and to support at least one inner container ( 600, 700 ). The frame includes a plurality of arrangements ( 116, 126, 138 ) configurable to contact an inner surface of the outer container, such contact limiting movement of the frame relative to the outer container.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/809,719, filed May 31, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a frame adapted to be fitted inside anouter container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of heavy-duty storage containers are available. Suchcontainers need to be versatile and capable of securely storing items,sometimes during transportation. A type of storage container widely usedin this way (especially by the US military) is commonly known as a“Quadcon” container or box. This is a heavy-duty container that iscapable of withstanding use in rough situations and can often be droppedfrom considerable heights or moved violently during transportation overuneven terrain. Such boxes are heavy and difficult to handle and need tobe safely secured to avoid accidental damage or injury. The contents ofQuadcon boxes are checked regularly, e.g. once every month, and movingthe boxes for access and then reloading them into the container/rack isa tedious and time consuming process, and has the associated risksmentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Quadcon boxes commonly store several inner containers/boxes that maythemselves be heavy and difficult to handle. Obviously, these innercontainers also need to be secured inside the Quadcon boxes to avoiddamage and safety risks. Difficulties therefore arise if the dimensionsof the inner containers do not match those of the Quadcon boxes.Further, although the Quadcon boxes are intended to have standarddimensions, variations, particularly on their inner surfaces, are notuncommon.

As Quadcon boxes have a standard configuration (governed by an ISOstandard), modifying them is undesirable and not generally allowed. Inparticular, it is undesirable to drill holes through surfaces of theboxes, or to weld restraining hooks or the like onto them. Therefore, itcan be difficult to secure smaller containers of various sizes insideQuadcon boxes.

Embodiments of the present invention are intended to address at leastsome of the problems addressed above.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided aremovable frame adapted to be fitted inside an outer container and tosupport at least one inner container, the frame including a plurality ofarrangements configurable to contact an inner surface of the outercontainer, such contact limiting movement of the frame relative to theouter container.

Thus, the frame can be fitted to the outer container without requiring(permanent/invasive) modification of the outer container, e.g. no partof the frame (or associated components) need penetrate a surface of theouter container, nor is there any need for welding or some other type offixing that is intended to be permanent/long-term. Frictional contactcan limit the relative movement. The movement-limiting arrangements mayalso releaseably secure the frame inside the outer container. Themovement-limiting arrangements may be readily removable from the outercontainer. For example, the movement-limiting arrangements may beremoved by being rotated (directly) by hand. A said movement-limitingarrangement may include a pad configured to contact an inner surface ofthe outer container, the position of the pad relative to the frame beingadjustable. The pad may have increased frictional characteristicscompared with other components of the frame/outer container, e.g. it maybe formed at least partially of rubber. The pad may be at leastpartially formed of compressible material. The pad may have an adhesiveapplied to it. Force exerted by the movement-limiting arrangement maymaintain the contact. The position of the pad may be adjusted by meansof the pad being mounted on a threaded member.

The frame may be assembled from a plurality of sub assemblies. At leastsome of the sub assemblies may include at least some of themovement-limiting arrangements. The movement-limiting arrangements maybe configured to contact an upper and/or lower inner surface of theouter container and at least one side surface of the outer container.

The frame may include a first sub assembly configured to extend betweenlower and upper surfaces (floor and ceiling) of the outer container. Thefirst sub assembly may include at least one movement-limitingarrangement configured to contact a lower or upper surface of the outercontainer. The frame may include an upper sub assembly configured to fiton top of the first sub assembly. The upper sub assembly may furtherinclude at least one said movement-limiting arrangement configured tocontact an upper portion of at least one inner side surface of the outercontainer.

The frame may further include a lower sub assembly configured to fitonto a lower end the first sub assembly. The lower sub assembly mayfurther include at least one said movement-limiting arrangementconfigured to contact a lower portion of at least one inner side surfaceof the outer container.

The upper and/or lower sub assembly may be at least partly fitted to thefirst sub assembly by means of at least one readily releasable device,such as a shot bolt, that does not require routine use of a tool tolock/release.

The first sub assembly may include a plurality of uprights connectedtogether by a plurality of cross-beams. There may be a pair of suchconnected uprights, and each said upright can be configured to belocated adjacent a respective sidewall of the outer container. The upperand/or lower sub assembly may be configured to connect a said pair ofconnected uprights together across a width of the outer container.

The lower sub assembly may include at least one formation for receivinga corresponding at least one formation of another said sub assembly. Theformation of the lower sub assembly may include a recess or aperture andthe formation of the other said sub assembly can include a projection.Sidewalls of the recess or aperture may be sloped.

The frame may include an arrangement configured to releaseably securethe at least one inner container in the frame, e.g. a lockable (front)gate. The frame may further include a shelving frame upon which a saidinner container can be supported. The shelving frame may include atleast one formation (e.g. a slot or aperture) configured to cooperatewith at least one corresponding formation on the inner container,thereby assisting with securing the inner container within the frame.The frame can further include a dividing member.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage system including at least one frame substantially as describedherein and at least one inner container. The storage system may furtherinclude a said outer container.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of fitting a frame to an outer container, the frame beingadapted to support at least one inner container and the methodincluding:

placing the frame inside the outer container, and

adjusting a plurality of arrangements to contact an inner surface of theouter container, such contact limiting movement of the frame relative tothe outer container.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a devicefor assisting with holding an inner container within an outer container,the device including:

a first engaging member for engaging a formation or portion adjacent afirst point of an upper surface of an inner container;

a second engaging member for engaging a formation or portion adjacentanother point of the upper surface of the inner container;

an arrangement for releasing the first and second engaging members.

The first and second engaging members may be located adjacent generallyopposite ends of an elongate member. The elongate member may beconnected to a frame attached to the outer container (or directly to theouter container). The elongate member may be pivotally connected to theframe/outer container, with pivoting movement of the elongate memberresulting in disengagement of the first engaging member. The device mayinclude a device for biasing the elongate member so that it causes thefirst and/or second engaging members engage the upper surface. A pivotpoint of the elongate member may be fitted within a slot that allowslongitudinal movement of the first and second members so that the secondengaging member can be slid out of contact with the upper surface of theinner container.

Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to anyinventive combination of the features set out above or in the followingdescription. Although illustrative embodiments of the invention aredescribed in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings,it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to thoseprecise embodiments. As such, many modifications and variations will beapparent to practitioners skilled in this art. Furthermore, it iscontemplated that a particular feature described either individually oras part of an embodiment can be combined with other individuallydescribed features, or parts of other embodiments, even if the otherfeatures and embodiments make no mention of the particular feature.Thus, the invention extends to such specific combinations not alreadydescribed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The invention may be performed in various ways, and, by way of example:only, embodiments thereof will now be described, reference being made tothe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of the frame;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a lower sub-assembly of the frame;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the lower sub-assembly;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the frame of FIG. 1 fitted with aninner storage container;

FIG. 5 is a different perspective view of the frame and container ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inner storage container that isfitted with a plurality of further inner containers;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the inner containers of FIG. 6 stored in anouter container using the frame;

FIG. 8 is a front view of another arrangement of inner containers storedin the outer container using the frame;

FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of another type of outer containerincluding an example of a fastening device that holds an inner containerin position;

FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the containers of 9;

FIG. 11 details an alternative embodiment of the connecting device, andFIGS. 12A to 12D illustrate diagrammatically an unlocking operation ofthe fastening device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a pair of frames, withthe viewpoint being located above and to the right of the central axesof the frames. For brevity, only one of the frames (100) will bedescribed in detail, but both frames are substantially identical.Certain features are only visible on one of the frames in the Figure,although it will be understood that they are present on both frames. Inuse, each of the frames can be fitted inside an outer container (notshown in FIG. 1), in a back-to-back arrangement, with one of the frames100′ being located at what will be referred to, for ease of reference,as the front end of the outer container and the other frame 100 beinglocated at the rear end of the container. However, it will be understoodthat in some cases only one frame may be fitted inside an outercontainer, or frames could be arranged in an alternative manner, e.g.side-by-side.

The frame 100 comprises three main sub assemblies, namely a first subassembly 102 that is connected to an upper sub assembly 104 and a lowersub assembly 106. The first sub assembly 102 comprises a set of fouruprights 110A-110D arranged to form a 4×4 square grid, but it will beunderstood that the spacing of the uprights could be modified, e.g. toform a rectangular subassembly. The pair of uprights 110A, 110D at theleft-hand side of the Figure will, in use, be fitted adjacent aleft-hand inner sidewall of the outer container. The pair of uprights110B, 110C at the right-hand side of the Figure will, in use, be fittedadjacent a right-hand inner sidewall of the outer container. The heightof the uprights is normally chosen to be slightly less then the heightof the space inside the outer container.

The left-hand uprights 110A, 110D are connected together by means of apair of horizontal beams 112A, 112B, with a cross-beam 114 runningdiagonally between the two horizontal beams. The right-hand uprights110B, 110C are connected together by a similar set of horizontal andcross-beams. As can be seen, each of the uprights 100A-110D is of squareU-shape cross-section, the side of each upright that faces an adjacentside of the other upright in its pair (e.g. 110A and 110D) being open.The ends of the horizontal beams 112 fit into these open sides and socan be connected to the inner surfaces of the uprights. The sidesurfaces of the uprights have a plurality of evenly-spaced apertures111.

Square shaped end panels 115 are fitted/formed at both ends of eachupright 110. Each lower end panel may have friction-increasingproperties, e.g. it may be formed or rubber or another material that ispartially rubberised, or the panels may have (removable) adhesiveapplied to them. Each upper end panel has fitted on its upper surface anadjustable device 116. Each device 116, in use, is adjusted to contactan inner surface of the outer container when the first sub assembly 102is fitted therein, thereby limiting or preventing relative movement ofthe sub assembly (and other components connected to it) and the outercontainer. In the example, the device 116 is an adjustable jack having athreaded member with a frusto-conical pad 116A fitted at one end. Thepad may have improved frictional properties, e.g. be formed of rubber orsimilar material (and therefore may also be compressible) and/or have afriction-increasing coating or adhesive applied to it. In the examplethe pads are all formed of rubber. When rotated (by hand or using atool), the device extends/retracts, allowing the pad 116A to come into(or break) contact with an adjacent surface. It will be understood thatin other embodiments, other types of adjustable devices could be used,e.g. a slidable/telescopic mechanism that can be configured to be set ata selected length, or a removable wedge or the like. In more complexembodiments, a knob arrangement or the like may be provided foradjusting more than one adjustable device at a time.

The upper sub assembly 104 includes a rectangular frame comprising apair of opposed end elongate members 120A, 120C and a pair of opposedside elongate members 120D, 120B. In the example the side elongatemembers 120 have a length sufficient to span from one end of the frame100 to the remote end of the other frame 100′; however, it will beunderstood that the dimensions of the upper sub assembly could bemodified so that it fits on only one of the frames (i.e. be dimensionedto correspond with the square shaped formed by the four corner uprightsof the first sub assembly 102). The elongate members 120 are of L-shapedcross-section. Cross beams/bars 122 extend diagonally between the sidemembers for reinforcement. There is also a central beam 122 that extendsstraight between the pair of side members 120B, 120D, at a point thatcorresponds with the location of the uprights 110C, 110D. The centralbeam 124 is of square U-shape cross-section and may include a set ofspaced-apart apertures 125.

At each corner of the upper sub assembly 104 there is a depending cornerpiece. (Two of these corner pieces, labelled 126A and 126B, can bepartially seen in FIG. 1 on the (rear end) frame 100, located above itsrear end uprights 110A, 110B). The corner pieces are generally L-shapedbrackets, with one portion of each L-shape being in contact with andfixed to an upper portion of the adjacent upright and the other portionof the L-shape extending across towards the other side of the frame,e.g. the extending portion of corner piece 126A located on the left-handside of the frame extends towards the corresponding right-hand sidecorner piece 126B. Square shaped end panels can be fitted/formed at theupper and lower ends of the corner pieces.

The fixed portion of each L-shape can be connected to the upper portionof its corresponding upright by means of bolts or the like (e.g.“Ny-loe” type (shake-proof) bolts) that fit through the apertures 111 inthe upright and similar apertures in the corner piece (see the rearright-hand corner of the frame in FIG. 5). Brackets for connecting thecentral beam 122 of the upper sub assembly to the uprights 110C, 110D ina similar manner can also be provided (one such bracket 127 is partiallyvisible at left-hand upright 110D in FIG. 1).

Projecting outwardly from the base of each corner piece 126A, 126B is ahorizontal plate (such plates labelled 129A′ and 129B′ can be seen onthe corner pieces at the front of frame 100′). Each horizontal plate 129can include at least one aperture with which at least one correspondingshot bolt located on a front gate of the first sub assembly can engage.A left-hand front gate 119 (for front end frame 100′) having upper 119Aand lower 119B bolts is partially shown in FIG. 1. It is connected tothe front of the front end upright 110D′ by means of hinges 119C.

The vertical portion of the L-shaped cross sectioned side members 120B,120D include apertures through which adjusting devices 126 can befitted. In the example, an aperture is located adjacent each portion ofthe side member that is adjacent an upright 110, but it will beunderstood that the number and positions of the apertures/adjustingdevices can be varied. The devices 126 can be adjustable jacks identicalto the jacks 116 fitted on the uprights, or may be other types ofadjustable devices. The adjusting devices 126 of the upper sub assembly104 extend outwardly sideways from the side members 120B, 120D.

The lower sub assembly 106 of the frame 100 comprises a square shapeformed by a pair of elongate end members 132A, 132B and a pair ofelongate side members 130A, 130B. The square shape is dimensioned sothat it generally fits within the perimeter of the notional square shapeformed by the four corner uprights of the first sub assembly. FIGS. 2and 3 show the lower sub assembly 106 in more detail.

Each side member 130 is a flat elongate bar (or track) having agenerally square-shaped recesses 134 located near both its ends. Therecesses 134 have sloping side walls and are dimensioned to correspondwith dimensions of foot portions of a pallet, as will be describedbelow. The recesses may be at least partially lined with rubber orsimilar material, which helps keep the foot portion in place and alsoreduce vibration during transportation of the loaded frame. A stop 136projects upwardly from the side member 130 adjacent one of its recesses.The stop is located opposite to the end of side the member that will, inuse, be used to load a pallet/inner container. For instance, for rearend frame 100, the stops 136 will be located near the ends of the sidemembers 130 located under the central beam 124 of the upper sub assembly104 to allow pallets to be slid over the opposite end of the sidemembers into the frame in the direction of arrow L.

As can best be seen in FIG. 3, extending along the outer side of theeach side member 130A, 130B is a respective elongate profiled side wall133A, 133B. Each side wall comprises a sheet of material that is formedto form a first slanted portion that has one end connected to the uppersurface of the side member 130 (adjacent is outer side edge). This firstslanted portion leads upwards and outwards at an angle of around 40° tothe tip of a second portion of the side wall that is L-shaped incross-section. The upper, vertical portion of each side wall 133includes apertures through which adjusting devices 138 can be fitted. Inthe example, an aperture is located adjacent each portion of the sidewall that is fitted adjacent an upright 110, but, again, it will beunderstood that the number and positions of the apertures/adjustingdevices can be varied. The devices 138 can be adjustable jacks identicalto the jacks 116 fitted on the uprights, or may be different types ofadjustable devices. The adjusting devices of the lower sub assembly 106extend outwardly from the side walls 133.

The ends of the pair of side members 130A, 130B are connected togetherby means of respective end members 132A, 132B, which are strong elongatebars that can each include a set of spaced apart apertures 135. At theend of the each side member 130 over which, in use, a pallet isslid/loaded (i.e. the end opposite to that which the stops 136 arelocated) there is a foot component 139. Each foot 139 is generallysquare/rectangular in shape and is formed of an upper surface havingfour depending sidewalls. The sidewall that is located at the front ofthe sub assembly 106 is angled and can act as a ramp for an articlebeing slid over the foot 139 into the frame.

There can be at least one aperture 140 in the upper surface of the basepanel that is, in use, positioned to receive at least one correspondingshot bolt 119B located on one of the front gates 119 (similar to way inwhich the apertures in the horizontal plates 129 of the upper subassembly 104 are used with upper shot bolt 119A). It will be understoodthat other arrangements (e.g. shot bolts that directly fit into bores inthe inner containers or straps) can be used to secure the contents ofthe frame instead of or in addition to the pair of front gates. In analternative embodiment, instead of a pair of the feet 139 there can beat least one solid/continuous plate along the lower front end of thelower sub assembly 106, which can function as a ramp if needed. Such aramp can have a set of spaced apart apertures that function in a similarmanner to the aperture 140.

In use, the first sub assembly 102 is positioned within an outercontainer, with the pairs of lateral uprights, e.g. 110A and 110D, beingpositioned abutting/adjacent to inner sidewalls of the outer container.Next, the upper sub assembly 104 is positioned on the first sub assembly102, with the corner pieces 126A, 126B of the upper assembly being fixedto the upper portions of the uprights 110 by means of bolts or the like.Next, the lower sub assembly 106 is fitted inside the outer container.

The jacks 116 can then be adjusted to establish firm contact between theupper inner surface of the outer container and the main sub assembly102, with the uprights 110 becoming “wedged” between the floor andceiling of the outer container. The jacks 126 can also be adjusted sothat the upper sub assembly 104 becomes wedged between the sidewalls ofthe outer container. Similarly, the jacks 138 can be adjusted so thatthe lower sub assembly 106 becomes wedged inside the sidewalls of theouter container. Thus, the frame 100 is releasably secured in positionwithin the outer container so that relative movement (in the horizontal(sideways and front/rear directions) and vertical planes) of the frameand outer container is limited/prevented. Adhesive, if used, will alsohelp limit such movement. The use of adjustable devices such as thejacks 116, 126, 138 (including the compressible pads) means that nopermanent modification of the outer container is required (e.g. nocomponents need to be welded or fixed in some other substantiallypermanent manner to the outer container) and no part of the frame needsto penetrate a surface of the outer container. Damage to the outercontainer should not occur during normal use. Adjustable devices, suchas the jacks, can readily deal with variations in the shape/dimensionsof inner surfaces of individual outer containers and can be easily andspeedily removed when required.

After the frame 100 has been fitted inside the outer container, it isready to support at least one further container. It will be appreciatedthat the steps of the assembly/use sequence described above can bevaried.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate how the assembled frames 100, 100′ can be usedto store at least one inner container. FIG. 4 is a perspective viewsimilar to that of FIG. 1, whilst the viewpoint of the perspective viewof FIG. 5 is located below and to the left of the central axes of theframes. Thus, in FIG. 5, the (front end) frame labelled 110′ in FIGS. 1and 4 is more prominent and the (rear end) frame 100 is not shownstoring a container in the example.

A pallet 400 is shown located on top of the lower sub assembly 106. Thedimensions of the lower sub assembly will be chosen to generallycorrespond with those of the pallet. The pallet has a set of four feet(not visible) near its corners which fit into the four recesses 136 inthe side members 130 or to the lower sub assembly 106. The palletincludes a pair of channels 402 running between its front and rear endsthat can accommodate forks of a fork lift truck. At least the front endof the pallet can be fitted with a pair of L-shaped brackets 404. Theupper surface of each bracket 404 can include at least one aperture toengage with a bolt of an inner container (e.g. shot bolt 601), therebyreleaseably fixing the inner container to the pallet.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example of one type of innercontainer 600 that can be used in conjunction with the frame 100. Thecontainer 600 is a box-shaped framework capable of storing a pluralityof further inner containers. The framework comprises four corneruprights 602 that are connected together by a pair of lower elongatemembers 604A (and/or a square base panel). Diagonal cross-beams 605 mayalso be used to strengthen the structure. Upper elongate members 604B(and/or a square panel) connect the upper ends of the uprights. Theuprights 602, and in some cases other components of the inner container600, may be formed of tubular lengths of material (e.g. of square-shapedcross-section) that may include a plurality of evenly-spaced apertures.

The front pair of uprights include hinges to which a pair of lockablefront gates 606 are connected. A set of four upper formations 607 areconnected to/formed on the upper surfaces of the inner container 600,each formation being located at/adjacent a corner of the innercontainer. Each formation includes a square-shaped base panel upstandingfrom which are two sloping sidewalls. The upstanding sidewalls slope atan angle of around 40° and are located at the corners of the base panelnear a notional central axis of the inner container (i.e. they can bethought of as “pointing” towards the middle of the container). Theformations 607 can assist with securely stacking another (similar)container on top of the container 600 when it is not located in theframe 100, e.g. when stored in a warehouse.

The inner container 600 is shown holding a stack of further innercontainers 700, 702. These may be placed directly on top of each other,or shelves/frames may be used, such as the shelving frame 610 shown inFIG. 4. Two types of further inner containers are shown in the stack ofthe example, a first (wider) heavy-duty drawer 700 and second (narrower)heavy-duty drawer 702. The width of the wider drawer can be around 330mm (13″) and the width of the narrower drawer can be around 685 mm(27″), but it will be understood that these widths are exemplary onlyand the storage system can be made to fit any combination of containers,e.g. ones having widths anywhere between, for instance, 200 mm and 1150mm. The heights of containers such as the drawers can be anywhere fromaround 101 mm (4″) upwards and the dimensions of the components of theinner container 600 and frame 100 can be formed to accommodate anydesired height of containers, which may or may not be of uniformdimensions. The drawers can have lids and the lids may includeformations that cooperate with corresponding formations on lowersurfaces of other drawers/containers so as to facilitate safe stackingof the units.

Returning to FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that the shelving frame 610is located above the upper surfaces of the drawers 700, 702. Theshelving frame can be fitted to the uprights 602 of the inner container600, e.g. by means of bolts through the evenly-spaced apertures 611. Theshelving frame is formed of a set of four elongate members, including apair of parallel spaced-apart side members 612A, 612B that are connectedtogether by means of a rear elongate member 614 and front elongatemember 616. The length/width of the shelving frame generally correspondto the length/width of the drawer/container over which it is positioned.Thus, the shelving frame 610 has a similar length/width to the drawer700 underneath it. There is also a similar second shelving frame 610Awhose length/width corresponds to the length/width of the narrowerdrawer 702 located beneath it.

The side 612 and rear 614 elongate members of the shelving frame are ofL-shape cross-section, with the vertical portions of the L-shapes actingas walls that limit movement of a drawer/container that will be placedon top of the (horizontal portions of the L-shapes of the) shelvingframe. The front elongate member 616 is flat to allow a drawer/containerto be slid/loaded over it into the shelving frame. To assist withstabilising the drawer/container within the shelving frame, the frontends of the side members 612 include slots 618 (see FIG. 5 inparticular). Each slot 618 is a V-shape rotated clockwise by 90° so thatits wider portion is at the end of the side member, with the slot thentapering inwards. Projections (not visible) on the outer sides of thedrawer are intended to fit into the corresponding slots of the sidemembers 612. Each slot can also include formation such as an indentation(not visible) that is intended to cooperate with the correspondingprojection so that considerable force (in the frontwards direction)needs to be applied to release the projections, and thereby the drawer,from the shelving frame. The rear elongate member 614 of the shelvingframe can include at least one formation, e.g. aperture 619, that isintended to cooperate with a corresponding at least one formation, e.g.a projection, on a rear surface of the drawer, thereby further assistingwith limiting relative movement of the drawer and shelving frame. Itwill be appreciated that variations so the shelving frames are possible,e.g. they could include a track/roller arrangement to allow thecontainer 700, 702 to be at least partially the extended (and retracted)relative to the frame like a drawer.

It can be seen that the base of the inner frame-type container 600 isplaced on top of (and aligned with) the upper surface of the pallet.This is normally done before the pallet 400 and container 600 aretransported into the frame 100, with the lockable gates 606 being closedfor safety and to retain the containers. Once the inner containers arefitted inside the frame 100, the front gates 119 of the frame can beshot-bolted shut to secure the inner containers in position. In theexample where the pair of frames 100 and 100′ are used, access can begained to each frame at opposite ends of the outer container. FIG. 7shows the frame 100 and inner containers fitted inside a Quadcon box800, although it will be understood that the frame 100 can be used tosupport inner containers in other types of outer containers, e.g.containers commonly called “Tricons”; full or half-width boxes; boxeshaving solid walls or boxes having at least some walls in the form of amesh or frame.

It will be appreciated that the combination of inner containers shown inuse in the Figures is exemplary only and that various other types ofinner containers could be stored in conjunction with the frame 100 andouter container. For example, the inner frame-type container 600 neednot be used in cases where inner containers such as drawers 700 havedimensions that correspond with those of the frame 100. Further, thepallet 400 need not be used, with an inner container being placeddirectly on the lower sub assembly 106. Also, the further innercontainers do not need to be directly stacked on top of each otherwithin the inner frame-type container 600. For example, drawer-likemechanisms that allow the further inner containers to be (partially orsubstantially completely) extended individually for access could beinstalled within the frame 100 or frame-type container 600. Theframe-type container 600 can be a storage rack that includes an array offormations intended to engage with corresponding formations on thefurther inner containers, e.g. projections/apertures arrangements.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of two frames 100 and 100″ being fittedside-by-side in a Quadcon box 800. The left hand-frame 100 is narrowerthan the right-hand frame 100″. A support column (or “pylon”) 850, whichcan comprise at least one elongate member or a plate, is also fittedinside the Quadcon box, abutting the right-hand side of frame 100 andthe left-hand side of frame 100″. The support column 850 can be fittedwithin the Quadcon box using bolts or the like to connect the column toparts of the frame 100, e.g. into apertures 135 in the lower subassembly 106 and apertures 125 in the upper sub assembly 104. Having aplurality of such apertures 135, 125 means that the location of thecolumn 850 within the frame 100/Quadcon box can be set to suit thedimensions of the containers to be stored within. The column 850effectively divides the interior of the outer container so that sets ofinner containers having different widths can be stored. In someembodiments, the column 850 can be fitted with at least one front gate,similar to gate 606 or 119.

It will be understood that the dimensions, number and arrangement of thecomponents shown in the Figures is exemplary only and variations arepossible. For instance, more than four upright struts could be used inthe first sub assembly 102; the frame 100 can comprise few or more thanthree sub assemblies (which need not be central, lower and upper subassemblies and not all of which need necessarily include adjustingdevices), or can be formed as an integral piece; adjusting devices couldbe provided on both upper and lower surfaces of the frame; instead ofvertical struts, diagonal cross-bars could be used in the first subassembly; solid panels could be used to connect the lower and upperframe members in addition to or instead of some of the uprights; theside members/struts need not be of square U-shape or L-shapedcross-section; devices other than shot bolts (e.g. a pivoting hook orcatch arrangement) could be used.

In the example, a rigid metal such as steel is used for the componentsof the frame 100 and other containers, but it will be understood thatother strong materials (or a combination of materials) could be usedinstead. The dimensions of the framework will usually be chosen tocorrespond with the dimensions of one or more containers that it isintended to support. For instance, the framework could be dimensioned toaccommodate a container anywhere between 380 mm-1012 mm (15″-40″) wide,around 42″ (1066 mm) long and 101 mm-508 mm (4″-20″) high, but it willbe understood that these ranges are exemplary only. The components ofthe framework can be connected together using any suitable means, e.g.welding or nuts/bolts, or the framework can be formed at least partiallyin another manner, e.g. using a moulding process.

FIG. 9 shows an outer container 100.2 that is configured to accommodatea plurality of inner containers, one of which is labelled 200.2. Theouter container could be a frame similar to frame 100 described abovewhich will, in turn, be fitted inside a further outer container such asQuadcon box. The inner container may be similar to container 600described above or a frame similar to frame 100 described above could beused in the case where the outer container 100.2 is a Quadcon box or thelike. In the example, the outer container 100.2 generally comprises aframework including a base 102.2, which can be a solid plate or a pallettype base. An upstanding strut 104.2 extends vertically from each of thefour corners of the base. There is also an upper frame/plate 105.2 thatassists with holding the four vertical struts 104.2 in position. It willbe appreciated that there are several possible variations to the outercontainer e.g., it can include crossbeams to further reinforce thevertical struts, or it could include solid wall or upper plate ratherthan an open framework. The base 101.2 of the outer container may befitted with a tracked base 100.1 substantially as described above whenthe outer container is to accommodate one or more smaller storagedevices that have an arrangement of foot portions. At least one end ofthe outer container 100.2 may be fitted with one (or a pair) of hingedgates 106.2 or similar arrangements for assisting with preventingoutward movement of a container that is stored within it.

Within the outer container there is fitted an inner frame 107.2 thatincludes a fastening device, generally indicated at 111.2, for holding asmaller container in position within the outer container. The innerframe may be removable from the outer container so that it can free upspace when not in use. Alternatively, the components described herein asforming part of the inner frame may be built into the outer container.

The inner frame 107.2 includes a base portion that may comprise thetracked base 100.1. Upstanding from each of the four corners of the baseis a vertical strut. The pair of vertical struts at the front end of theinner frame is labelled 109A.2, 109B.2, whilst the pair of verticalstruts at the rear end (not visible in FIG. 9) are labelled 109A′.2,109B′.2. Again, it will be understood that several variations of theinner frame are possible, e.g. one or more of its base, side or uppersurfaces may be a solid plate rather than an open framework type design.

A substantially horizontal bar 112.2 extends between points adjacent theupper ends of the front pair of vertical struts 109A.2, 109B.2. Fittedadjacent the two ends of the horizontal bar 112.2 are handle devices114.2 that operate the fastening device 111.2. The fastening device inthe example includes an engaging member 110.2 that is connected belowthe horizontal bar 112.2 by means of one or more vertical connectingbars 113.2. The front engaging member 110.2 is intended to engage with aportion of the smaller inner container 200.2.

In the example, the inner container includes a base frame/plate 202.2,upstanding from which are four vertical corner posts 204.2. Extendingbetween points adjacent the upper ends of the pair of the posts at thefront end of the inner container is a horizontal rod 206.2. A plurality(e.g. stack) of storage boxes/drawers 207.2 can be fitted within theframework of the inner container. It will be understood that the innercontainer shown in the drawings is only one example of the type ofstorage device that can be held within the outer container 100.2. In theexample, the connecting device 111.2 of the inner frame/outer containerengages with the horizontal bar 206.2 of the inner container, as well asa similar bar that extends between the rear pair of vertical posts204.2. These components can be seen in FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 10, the outer container 100.2 in the example isarranged to accommodate a first inner container 200.2, located adjacentits front end, and a second inner container 200′.2, located near therear end of the outer container. However, it will be understood that theouter container can be configured to accommodate differentnumbers/arrangements of inner containers. The outer container mayinclude gate arrangements at its front and rear ends to allow either ofthe inner containers to be accessed without requiring the other to bemoved.

Extending between the front horizontal bar 112.2 and the rear horizontalbar 112′2 of the inner frame is a pair of spaced apart parallel moveablebeams 116.2. Only one of these (which would be adjacent the right handside of FIG. 9) is visible in FIG. 10 and for brevity only operation ofone moveable beam will be described, but it will be understood that oneor more further corresponding moveable beams can be provided and operatein a similar manner. The rear end of the moveable beam 116.2 ispivotably and slideably connected to the rear vertical post of the innerframe 107.2 by means of a connecting mechanism 118.2, which will bedescribed below in more detail.

FIG. 11 details part of an alternative example of the connecting device111.2. In the example of this Figure, instead of a single engagingmember 110.2, there are a pair of shorter engaging members 110C.2,110C′.2, each located adjacent opposite ends of the horizontal bar112.2.

Turning to FIGS. 12A to 12B, there is shown a sequence of operationsinvolving components of the connecting device 111.2 that allow the innercontainer 200.2 to be released (it should be noted that the “rear” endof the is at the left hand side of these figures, whereas in FIG. 10 the“rear” end is at the right hand side). The mechanism 118.2 that connectsthe rear end of the moveable beam 116.2 to the rear vertical post of theinner frame 107.2 comprises a rectangular plate 122.2 having alongitudinal slot 124.2. A member 120.2 (e.g. pin, bolt or like) locatednear the rear end of the moveable beam 116.2 is slideably fitted withinthe horizontal slot 124.2. The rear engaging member 110′.2 comprises anelongate member having a generally ‘C-shaped’ curved cross-section thatis suitable for engaging with the rear cylindrical horizontal bar206′.2. However, it will be understood that the design of the rear (andfront) engaging member can be varied to engage with any suitableportion/formation of the inner container that is to be fastened.

The handle portion 114.2 is connected adjacent the front end of themoveable beam 116.2 by means of a pivot pin 130.2 that passes through anaperture near the front end of the moveable beam 116.2 and an apertureabout 75% along the length of the handle portion. The end of the handleportion 114.2 remote from the end held by a user is pivotally connectedto one end of a second handle portion 134.2. A biasing device, e.g.spring 132.2, can be provided to help keep the handle portion in its“locked” position so that human force is required to move it.Additionally or alternatively, an end of the handle member 114.2 maycontact a portion of the outer frame so that the hand is held inposition. The other end of the second handle portion 134.2 is pivotallyconnected to one end of a third plate 136.2, the other end of which isconnected to the front engaging member 110.2. Again, the engaging member110.2 is generally C-shaped in cross-section so that it can engage withthe cylindrical front horizontal bar 206.2.

When the handle arrangement is in the position shown in FIG. 12A boththe rear 110′.2 and front 110.2 engaging members press down onto therear horizontal bar 206′.2 and front horizontal bar 206.2, respectively,thereby limiting movement of the inner container 200.2.

When it is desired to release the inner container 200.2 a first steptaken by a user is to pivot the end of the handle mechanism 114.2upwards to the position show in FIG. 12B. This releases the front end ofthe moveable beam 116.2 so that it is free to pivot around rear pivotpoint 120.2, as shown in FIG. 12C. Thus, the front engaging member 110.2can break contact with the front horizontal bar 206.2.

The user can then push back the handle 114.2 so that the moveable beam116.2 slides within the slot 124.2 towards the rear end of the innerframe. This breaks contact between the rear engaging member 110′.2 andthe rear horizontal bar 206′.2, thus allowing the inner container 200.2to be moved longitudinally out of the outer container 100.2. Thus, thefastening device described assists with securing the inner container,but does so by means of contact with the upper surface of the innercontainer and does not require modification of the container itself.

1. A removable frame adapted to be fitted inside an outer container andto support at least one inner container, the frame including a pluralityof arrangements configurable to contact an inner surface of the outercontainer, such contact limiting movement of the frame relative to theouter container.
 2. A removable frame according to claim 1, wherein theframe is fitted to the outer container without requiringpermanent/invasive modification of the outer container.
 3. A removableframe according to claim 2, wherein frictional contact limits therelative movement.
 4. A removable frame according to claim 3, whereinthe movement-limiting arrangements also releaseably secure the frameinside the outer container.
 5. A removable frame according to claim 1,wherein a said movement limiting arrangement includes a pad configuredto contact an inner surface of the outer container, the position of thepad relative to the frame being adjustable.
 6. A removable frameaccording to claim 6, wherein the pad has increased frictionalcharacteristics compared with other components of the frame/outercontainer.
 7. A removable frame according to claim 5, wherein the pad isat least partially formed of compressible material such as rubber.
 8. Aremovable frame according to claim 6, wherein the pad has an adhesiveapplied to it.
 9. A removable frame according to claim 5, wherein theposition of the pad may be adjusted by means of the pad being mounted ona threaded member.
 10. A removable frame according to claim 1, whereinthe movement-limiting arrangements are configured to contact an upperand/or lower inner surface of the outer container and at least one innerside surface of the outer container.
 11. removable frame according toclaim 1, wherein the frame is assembled from a plurality of subassemblies with at least some of the sub assemblies including themovement-limiting arrangements.
 12. A removable frame according to claim11, including a first said sub assembly configured to extend partiallybetween lower and upper [[(]]floor and ceiling[[)]] surfaces of theouter container, the first sub assembly including at least one saidmovement-limiting arrangement configured to contact a lower or uppersurface of the outer container.
 13. A removable frame according to claim12, wherein the frame includes an upper sub assembly configured to frton top of the first sub assembly, the upper sub assembly including atleast one said movement-limiting arrangement configured to contact anupper portion of at least one inner side surface of the outer container.14. A removable frame according to claim 12, wherein the frame includesa lower sub assembly configured to fit onto a lower end the first subassembly, the lower sub assembly including at least one saidmovement-limiting arrangement configured to contact a lower portion ofat least one inner side surface of the outer container.
 15. A removableframe according to claim 11, wherein the sub assemblies may be at leastpartially connected together by means of at least one readily releasabledevice, such as a shot bolt, that does not require routine use of a toolto lock/release it.
 16. A removable frame according to claim 11, whereina first said sub assembly includes a plurality of uprights connectedtogether by a plurality of cross-beams, each said upright beingconfigured to be located adjacent a sidewall of the outer container, theremovable frame further including upper and/or lower said sub assemblyconfigured to connect a pair of said uprights together across a width ofthe outer container.
 17. A removable frame according to claim 14,wherein the lower sub assembly includes at least one formation forreceiving a corresponding at least one formation of a said innercontainer.
 18. A removable frame according to claim 1, including anarrangement configured to-releaseably secure the at least one innercontainer in the frame, a lockable gate.
 19. A removable frame accordingto claim 1, further including a shelving frame upon which a said innercontainer can be supported, the shelving frame including at least oneformation configured to cooperate with at teast one correspondingformation on the inner container, thereby assisting with securing theinner container within the frame.
 20. A removable frame according toclaim 1, further including a dividing member.
 21. A storage systemincluding at least one removable frame according to claim 1, and: atleast one said inner container, and/or at least one said outercontainer.
 22. A method of fitting a removable frame to an outercontainer, the removable frame being adapted to support at least oneinner container and the method including: placing the frame inside theouter container, and adjusting a plurality of arrangements to contact aninner surface of the outer container, such contact limiting movement ofthe frame relative to the outer container.